JNTO’s digital brochure highlights sustainable travel experiences in Japan

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has created an English-language digital pamphlet entitled “EXPLORE DEEPER” that introduces sustainable travel experiences in Japan. The pamphlet introduces 50 sustainable facilities and activities based on the concept of “Nature or Culture rooted in Nature.”

JNTO aims to strengthen the dissemination of information on and promote sustainable tourism. Nature is something Japanese people have cherished ever since ancient times. Here are some sustainable travel ideas included on the list:

Rafting and canyoning experience at Minakami UNESCO Eco Park’s Tone River

You can experience the wild rapids on a raft or canoe in the beautiful canyons of Minakami, Gunma Prefecture. In winter, water sports are replaced with snow canyoning.

Cycling tour in Hokkaido’s Biei

Located in Daisetsuzan National Park, Biei is one of the most beautiful towns in Hokkaido. This sustainable cycling tour comes with a local guide, who will show you around the area’s rich nature, including the green fields and flower carpets.

Zaborin, an inn that pursues high-quality comfort while utilizing Hokkaido’s natural resources

Zaborin in Hokkaido takes its name from Zen philosophy: sit quietly, forget the world and eliminate distractions. The building is made from recycled factory off-cut materials, and in winter, natural hot springs are reused for floor heating and snow melting, making it a sustainable inn.

HOTEL WHY, a zero-waste action hotel in Tokushima Prefecture

Kamikatsu Town in Tokushima Prefecture may be the smallest town in Shikoku, but its zero-waste action is huge. The townspeople sort their garbage into 45 types, and 80% of used materials are recycled. They bring their garbage to Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center, the only garbage station in the town. It also serves as a hub for zero-waste activities. It’s also where HOTEL WHY (curiously built in the shape of a question mark) is located, and visitors can participate in waste management while learning and having a relaxing time.

KURABITO STAY, a full-fledged sake brewing experience at a sake brewery hotel

Saku in Nagano Prefecture is a famous production region for Japanese sake. Kitsukura Shuzo is a traditional sake brewery in the area that has been producing sake with sustainable methods for more than 300 years. Their KURABITO STAY allows visitors to experience sake making at the brewery while lodging at “Hiroshiki,” a 100-year-old building on the premises where brewers used to sleep.

Treeful Treehouse, a sustainable resort that blends into nature

The Treeful Treehouse is located in the forest of Yambaru National Park in the northern part of Okinawa. The wooden cabin is built high off the ground, so it does not disturb the surrounding environment. The sustainable tree house uses carbon-neutral solar arrays instead of fossil fuels to generate electricity on-site. The fascinating experience of waking atop a tree reminds visitors of co-existing with nature.

Originally published on Livhub.
Translated by Ayako Karino